Boy, 17 Replaces Slain Father & Monarch of Ubulu-Uku

Following the death of his father, HRM Obi Edward Ofulue III of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in the hands of his abductors, the heir-apparent to the throne, HRM Agbogidi Chukwuka Noah, Akaeze I, has been crowned king.

The ceremony was held in Saturday in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The young monarch, while on a visit to the Delta State Governor’s Office in Asaba on Tuesday, appealed to his people and Deltans for support as he ascends the throne and maps out a new course for Ubulu-Uku kingdom.

The 17-year old monarch, thanked the Governor of the State, Ifeanyi Okowa, and the people of Delta State for their support during the trying times of his kingdom.

The Governor, while addressing the Obi and his guests, lauded the Ubulu-Uku people for the peaceful and successful coronation ceremony of the new Obi.

He lamented the tragic condition under which the previous Obi, HRM Edward Ofulue III, joined his ancestors, saying the Obi died a hero. He said with the coronation of a new monarch, it shows the kingdom is on a path of greatness.

The Governor of Delta State with the New Obi of Ubulu-Uku

While noting that the new Obi was still in school, hence the appointment of a Regent was necessary to enable him finish his education, adding that the Delta State government would give him, members of his family and his kingdom all necessary support.

Governor Okowa advised the Obi to be conscious of the fact that while he continues his studies abroad, his people and members of his kingdom would be waiting earnestly for his return to apply his academic experience in leading them.

“We want to encourage you to know that as you study, you have your people back home that you would have to administer their culture and customs as their royal father and we hope that soon, you will be through with your studies and bring your experience to bear on the administration of your Kingdom,” the governor said.

Furthermore, the Governor promised that those involved in the death of his late father would face the full wrath of the law, and other fleeing members of the gang would soon be apprehended as security operatives are on their trail.

The new monarch who is half British and half Nigerian, was accompanied on the visit by the Chairman of the Ubulu-Uku Council, Chief Isaac Anwuzia; the Regent, Prince Anthony Ofulue; his siblings, relatives and Palace Chiefs.

Valentine Chinyem is a writer, editor, educationist and a human developer. He is passionate about Nigeria, her culture and people; and believes the media in Nigeria, should do more to sell the country positively to the rest of the world